Kyrie Irving is one of the most talented players in all of NBA history.
The Dallas Mavericks star is coming off a year where he had averages of 24.7 points, 4.8 rebounds, 4.6 assists and 1.3 steals per contest while shooting 47.3% from the field and 40.1% from three-point range in 50 games.
Many current and former NBA players always talk about how special of a talent Irving is.
Chris Paul Made His Feelings Clear About Kyrie Irving
Recently, Chris Paul was asked if he would take Irving (or Allen Iverson) in a one-on-one matchup (via 7PM in Brooklyn).
Paul: “Kai is an absolute problem. Kai is an absolute problem… If you’re playing one-on-one, I’d probably take Kai.”
Irving was the first pick in the 2011 NBA Draft after one season of college basketball at Duke.
He has also spent time with the Boston Celtics, Brooklyn Nets and Cleveland Cavaliers.
The 2016 NBA Champion has career averages of 23.7 points, 4.1 rebounds, 5.6 assists and 1.3 steals per contest while shooting 47.4% from the field and 39.4% from three-point range in 779 games.
Via The Dallas Mavericks (on February 18): “This morning we announced that Kyrie Irving will not return to play during the 2025-26 NBA season as he continues his recovery from ACL reconstruction surgery performed in 2025. Can’t wait until you’re back on the court, Kai”
At 33, Irving can still be an elite point guard when he returns to the floor in 2026-27.
In addition, fans are waiting to watch him play next to rookie sensation (and fellow former Duke star) Cooper Flagg.
Right now, the Mavs are the 12th seed in the Western Conference with a 19-35 record in 54 games.
Via @winigoat7: “Kyrie Irving in Finals: – 25.5 PPG – 4.4 APG – 3.8 RPG – 45/36/92 splits – Hit the clutchest 3 in NBA Finals Game 7 history”
On the other side, Paul has established himself as one of the best five point guards in NBA history.
The basketball legend recently retired after part of 21 seasons in the league.
He had been with the Clippers to start the 2025-26 season.
Via The NBA: “”Chris Paul, A.K.A. the Point God.” 2nd ALL-TIME in assists. 2nd ALL-TIME in steals. 21 years running the point & defending the point of attack… congrats on a LEGENDARY career, @CP3!”
Paul was the fourth pick in the 2005 NBA Draft out of Wake Forest.
He has also spent time playing for the Houston Rockets, New Orleans Hornets, Phoenix Suns, San Antonio Spurs, Golden State Warriors and Oklahoma City Thunder.
During the 2021 season, Paul helped lead the Suns to the NBA Finals for the first time since 1993.
